Bicycle suspension components

ABSTRACT

Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement and defining an interior space, and a damper in the interior space. The damper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a damper member in the chamber, and a shaft coupled to the damper member. The example suspension component also includes an isolator coupling the shaft to a bottom end of the second tube, the isolator including an elastomeric member to absorb vibrations.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to bicycle components and, morespecifically, to bicycle suspension components.

BACKGROUND

Bicycles are known to have suspension components. Suspension componentsare used for various applications, such as cushioning impacts,vibrations, or other disturbances experienced by the bicycle during use.A common application for suspension components on bicycles is forcushioning impacts or vibrations experienced by the rider when thebicycle is ridden over bumps, ruts, rocks, pot holes, and/or otherobstacles. These suspension components include rear and/or front wheelsuspension components. Suspension components may also be used in otherlocations, such as a seat post or handlebar, to insulate the rider fromimpacts.

SUMMARY

An example suspension component for a bicycle disclosed herein includesa first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangementand defining an interior space and a damper in the interior space. Thedamper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a damper member in thechamber, and a shaft coupled to the damper member. The suspensioncomponent also includes an isolator coupling the shaft to a bottom endof the second tube. The isolator includes an elastomeric member toabsorb vibrations

An example suspension component for a bicycle disclosed herein includesa first upper tube and a first lower tube configured in a telescopicarrangement and a second upper tube and a second lower tube configuredin a telescopic arrangement. The first upper tube is coupled to thesecond upper tube. The suspension component includes a damper in aninterior space defined by the first upper and lower tubes. The damperhas a first shaft coupled to a damper member. The suspension componentalso includes a spring in an interior space defined by the second upperand lower tubes. The spring has a second shaft coupled to a piston. Thesuspension component further includes a first isolator in the firstlower tube. The first isolator couples the first shaft to a bottom endof the first lower tube. The suspension component also includes a secondisolator in the second lower tube. The second isolator couples thesecond shaft to a bottom end of the second lower tube.

An example suspension component for a bicycle disclosed herein includesa first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement, adamper shaft, and an isolator including a housing coupled to an end ofthe second tube, first and second cushioning members disposed in thehousing, and a translating coupler coupled to the damper shaft. Thetranslating coupler has a plate disposed in the housing between thefirst and second cushioning members. The first and second cushioningmembers to enable relative movement between the first and second tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example bicycle that may employ examplesuspension components disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an example front fork that can beimplemented on the example bicycle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example front fork of FIG. 2taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the example front fork of FIG. 2showing first and second example isolators.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first example isolator of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example elastomeric member of thefirst example isolator of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the example elastomeric member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the example elastomeric member ofFIGS. 6A and 6B taken along line B-B of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the first callout in FIG. 2 showing thefirst example isolator associated with an example damper in the examplefront fork.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the second callout in FIG. 2 showing thesecond example isolator associated with an example spring in the examplefront fork.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example isolator that can beimplemented in the example front fork of the example bicycle of FIG. 1.

The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers orregions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying writtendescription to refer to the same or like parts.

Descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein whenidentifying multiple elements or components that may be referred toseparately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on theircontext of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaningof priority or ordering in time but merely as labels for referring tomultiple elements or components separately for ease of understanding thedisclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be usedto refer to an element in the detailed description, while the sameelement may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor suchas “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood thatsuch descriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multipleelements or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are example suspension components that can beimplemented on a vehicle, such as a bicycle. An example suspensioncomponent disclosed herein is a front fork that connects the frame tothe front wheel. The front fork may have first and second legs formed byfirst and second upper leg portions (tubes) that are telescopicallyarranged with respective first and second lower leg portions. The firstand second upper leg portions are coupled to the frame and the first andsecond lower leg portions are coupled to the wheel. The front fork mayhave a damper and a spring that act in conjunction to absorb shockimpulses. The damper can be arranged in the first upper and lower legportions of the first leg, and the spring can be arranged in the secondupper and lower leg portions of the second leg.

In known front forks, the damper and the spring require a certainbreakaway force before the upper and lower leg portions begin to moverelative to each other. In particular, the damper and spring may includepistons with seals that require a certain amount of force to overcomethe static friction before the leg portions can move relative to eachother. Further, every time the direction of movement changes (e.g.,expansion to compression), this static friction needs to be overcome. Assuch, there is a slight delay while the force builds up before the upperand lower leg portions begin to move. This results in a stick slip feelthat can be felt by the rider at the handlebars. Further, high frequency(e.g., frequencies above 5 hertz (Hz)), lower amplitude vibrations, suchas those caused by a washboard terrain, are typically not absorbed bythe damper and spring. Instead, these high frequency vibrations aretransmitted through the front fork to the frame and, thus, can be feltby the rider. Some riders attempt to remedy this effect by reducing thepressure in their tires. However, this can be unsafe, because the tiresmay sway from the rims and cause the rider to lose control. Further,reducing the tire pressure increases the likelihood of getting a pinchflat (where the edges of the rim puncture the tire).

Disclosed herein are example isolators that can be implemented in asuspension component, such as a front fork. The isolators are configuredto improve shock absorption and absorb high frequency vibrations. Theexample isolators include one or more cushioning members that enablerelative movement of the upper and lower leg portions without having toovercome the friction in the seals of the damper and spring components.In some examples, the cushioning members are implemented as elastomericmembers (e.g., rubber pads). In other examples, the cushioning membercan be implemented as springs (e.g., metallic coil springs) or othertypes of cushioning members. Therefore, when riding over a bump, forexample, the first and second lower leg portions can move upwardrelative to the first and second upper leg portions before the breakawayforce is reached. As such, the isolators enable the front fork to morequickly absorb shocks and impulses. These lower frequency vibrations aretransmitted through the isolator to the damper and/or spring components.Further, the example isolators also absorb high frequency vibrations,such as frequencies above 5 Hz, that would otherwise be transmitted tothe handlebars and felt by the rider. The example isolators enable thelower leg portions (which are attached to the wheel) to flutter orvibrate independent of the upper leg portions, thereby reducingvibrations that are felt by the rider. Therefore, lower frequencyvibrations are partially absorbed by the isolators until the breakawayforce causes the damper and spring to compress or expand, while highfrequency vibrations are absorbed by the isolators. As such, the exampleisolators disclosed herein reduce vibrations felt at the handlebars bythe rider, which creates a more comfortable ride for the rider. Further,this increases rider confidence in the traction and grip at the wheels.

In some examples disclosed herein, the front fork includes an isolatorthat is used in connection with the damper in the first upper and lowerleg portions of the first leg. For example, an isolator can be disposedin the first lower leg portion. The isolator couples a damper shaft to abottom end of the first lower leg portion (the unsprung mass), which isattached to the wheel. The isolator includes a housing that is rigidlycoupled to the bottom end of the first lower leg portion. The isolatorincludes a translating coupler, such as a translating bolt, that ispartially disposed in the housing and extends outward from the housingand is rigidly coupled to a bottom end of the damper shaft. Thetranslating coupler is movable with the shaft relative to the housing.The translating coupler has a plate (e.g., a flange) in the housing. Insome examples, the isolator has first and second cushioning members,such as first and second elastomeric members (e.g., rubber rings),disposed in the housing on opposite sides of the plate. The first andsecond elastomeric members bias the plate (and, thus the translatingcoupler) in opposite directions. Therefore, the example isolatorseparates the damper shaft from the bottom end of the lower leg portion,which enables the upper and lower leg portions to move relative to eachother before overcoming the friction in the damper seals. When acompressive force is applied to the front fork, for example, one of theelastomeric members is compressed, which enables the first lower legportion to move upward relative to the upper leg portion. Because theelastomeric members are disposed on opposite sides of the plate, theinitiating force to move the lower leg relative to the upper leg iszero. Lower frequency vibrations are transmitted through the isolator tothe damper until the breakaway force is reached and damper and springcompress. When the compressive force is removed, the elastomeric memberbiases the lower leg portion back to the original position relative tothe upper leg portion. The opposite reaction occurs during rebound.Therefore, the isolator acts as a spring in series with the damper,thereby enabling relative movement between the upper and lower legportions. The elastomeric members also absorb high frequency vibrationsthat would otherwise not be absorbed by the damper and spring.

In some examples, an isolator can also be used in connection with thespring in the second upper and lower leg portions of the second leg. Forexample, a second isolator can be coupled between a spring shaft and abottom end of the second lower leg portion. The second isolatorfunctions in a similar manner to enable relative movement between thesecond lower leg portion and the spring shaft (and, thus, the secondupper leg portion). Therefore, in some examples, the front fork mayinclude two isolators. However, in other examples, only one isolator maybe implemented (e.g., only on the damper side, only on the spring side).

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a humanpowered vehicle on which the example suspension components disclosedherein may be implemented. In this example, the vehicle is one possibletype of bicycle 100, such as a mountain bicycle. In the illustratedexample, the bicycle 100 includes a frame 102 and a front wheel 104 anda rear wheel 106 rotatably coupled to the frame 102. In the illustratedexample, the front wheel 104 is coupled to the front end of the frame102 via a front fork 108. A front and/or forward riding direction ororientation of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of thearrow A in FIG. 1. As such, a forward direction of movement for thebicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the bicycle 100 includes a seat110 coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., near the rear end of the frame 102relative to the forward direction A) via a seat post 112. The bicycle100 also includes handlebars 114 coupled to the frame 102 and the frontfork 108 (e.g., near a forward end of the frame 102 relative to theforward direction A) for steering the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 isshown on a riding surface 116. The riding surface 116 may be any ridingsurface such as the ground (e.g., a dirt path, a sidewalk, a street,etc.), a man-made structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp),and/or any other surface.

In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 has a drivetrain 118 thatincludes a crank assembly 120. The crank assembly 120 is operativelycoupled via a chain 122 to a sprocket assembly 124 mounted to a hub 126of the rear wheel 106. The crank assembly 120 includes at least one, andtypically two, crank arms 128 and pedals 130, along with at least onefront sprocket, or chainring 132. A rear gear change device 134, such asa derailleur, is disposed at the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 122through different sprockets of the sprocket assembly 124. Additionallyor alternatively, the bicycle 100 may include a front gear change deviceto move the chain 122 through gears on the chainring 132.

The example bicycle 100 includes a suspension system having one or moresuspension components. In this example, the front fork 108 isimplemented as a front suspension component. The front fork 108 is orintegrates a shock absorber that includes a spring and a damper,disclosed in further detail herein. Further, in the illustrated example,the bicycle 100 includes a rear suspension component 136, which is ashock absorber, referred to herein as the rear shock absorber 136. Therear shock absorber 136 is coupled between two portions of the frame102, including a swing arm 138 coupled to the rear wheel 106. The frontfork 108 and the rear shock absorber 136 absorb shocks and vibrationswhile riding the bicycle 100 (e.g., when riding over rough terrain). Inother examples, the front fork 108 and/or the rear shock absorber 136may be integrated into the bicycle 100 in other configurations orarrangements. Further, in other examples, the suspension system mayemploy only one suspension component (e.g., only the front fork 108) ormore than two suspension components (e.g., an additional suspensioncomponent on the seat post 112) in addition to or as an alternative tothe front fork 108 and rear shock absorber 136.

While the example bicycle 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is a type of mountainbicycle, the example suspension components and isolators disclosedherein can be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, thedisclosed suspension components and isolators may be used on roadbicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic,pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drivesystems. The disclosed suspension components and isolators may also beimplemented on other types of two-wheeled, three-wheeled, andfour-wheeled human powered vehicles. Further, the example suspensioncomponents and isolators can be used on other types of vehicles, such asmotorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle, a car, a truck, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example front fork 108 (a suspensioncomponent) that may incorporate one or more example isolators, disclosedin further detail herein. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, thefront fork 108 includes a steering tube 200, a crown 202, a first leg203, and a second leg 205. In this example, the first and second legs203, 205 include first and second upper tubes 204, 206 (sometimesreferred to as leg portions or stanchions), respectively, and first andsecond lower tubes 208, 210 (sometimes referred to as leg portions orlowers), respectively. The first and second upper tubes 204, 206 may becollectively referred to as an upper tube assembly, and the first andsecond lower tubes 208, 210 may be collectively referred to as a lowertube assembly. The steering tube 200 couples to the frame 102 (FIG. 1)and the handlebars 114 (FIG. 1). The first and second upper tubes 204,206 are coupled via the crown 202. The first and second lower tubes 208,210 are coupled via an arch 211 (sometimes referred to as a fork braceor stabilizer). The first and second lower tubes 208, 210 includerespective front wheel attachment portions 212, 214, such as holes(e.g., eyelets) or dropouts, for attaching the front wheel 104 (FIG. 1)to the front fork 108. The first and second upper tubes 204, 206 areslidably received within the respective first and second lower tubes208, 210. Thus, the first and second upper tubes 204, 206 form atelescopic arrangement with the respective first and second lower tubes208, 210. During a compression stroke, the first and second upper tubes204, 206 move into or toward the respective first and second lower tubes208, 210, and during a rebound stroke, the first and second upper tubes204, 206 move out of or away from the respective first and second lowertubes 208, 210.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example front fork 108 takenalong line A-A of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first upper tube 204has a first end 300, referred to herein as a top end 300, and a secondend 302, referred to herein as a bottom end 302, opposite the top end300. The top end 300 is coupled to the crown 202. The first lower tube208 has a first end 304, referred to herein as a top end 304, and asecond end 306, referred to herein as a bottom end 306, opposite the topend 304. The bottom end 302 of the first upper tube 204 is disposedwithin the first lower tube 208. The top end 300 of the first upper tube204 and the bottom end 306 of the first lower tube 208 form first andsecond distal ends of the suspension component. During compression, thetop end 300 (the first distal end) and the bottom end 306 (the seconddistal end) are moved toward each other, and during extension orrebound, the top end 300 and the bottom end 306 are moved away from eachother. Thus, the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 form a telescopicarrangement and define an interior space 315. The first upper and lowerlegs 204, 208 move along a first translation axis 319. The second upperand lower tubes 206, 210 are similarly arranged. In particular, thesecond upper tube 206 has a first end 310, referred to herein as a topend 310, and a second end 312, referred to herein as a bottom end 312,opposite the top end 310. The second lower tube 210 has a first end 314,referred to herein as a top end 314, and a second end 316, referred toherein as a bottom end 316, opposite the top end 314. The top end 310 ofthe second upper tube 206 is coupled to the crown 202, and the bottomend 312 of the second upper tube 206 is disposed within the second lowertube 210. Thus, the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 form atelescopic arrangement and define an interior space 317. The secondupper and lower legs 206, 210 move along a second translation axis 321.

In the illustrated example, the front fork 108 includes both a spring318 and a damper 320. In this example, the spring 318 is disposed inand/or otherwise integrated into the second upper and lower tubes 206,210, and the damper 320 is disposed in and/or otherwise integrated intothe first upper and lower tubes 204, 208. In particular, the spring 318is disposed within and/or otherwise defined by the interior space 317 ofthe second upper and lower tubes 206, 210 bounded by the walls of thesecond upper and lower tubes 206, 210. Similarly, the damper 320 isdisposed within and/or otherwise defined by the interior space 315formed by the walls of the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208. Inother examples, the spring 318 may be disposed in and/or otherwiseintegrated into the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 and the damper320 may be disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the second upperand lower tubes 206, 210. The spring 318 is configured to resistcompression of the top ends 300, 310 toward the bottom ends 306, 316 andreturn the tubes 204, 206, 208, 210 to the extended position aftercompression occurs. The damper 320 is configured to limit the speed atwhich the compression/extension occurs and/or otherwise absorbvibrations.

In this example, the spring 318 is implemented as an air spring formedby a pneumatic chamber 322 in the second upper tube 206. For example, asshown in FIG. 3, the spring 318 includes a shaft 324 (which may bereferred to as a spring shaft) that is coupled to and extends upwardfrom the bottom end 316 of the second lower tube 210. The shaft 324extends through a seal 326 in the bottom end 312 of the second uppertube 206. The spring 318 includes a piston 328 that is coupled (e.g.,threadably coupled) to an end of the shaft 324 and disposed in secondupper tube 206. The piston 328 is slidable within the second upper tube206. The pneumatic chamber 322 is formed in the second upper tube 206between the piston 328 and a top barrier, such as a cap 330, in the topend 310 of the second upper tube 206. In some examples, a seal 331 isdisposed around the piston 328, which creates a seal between the piston328 and the inner surface of the second upper tube 206. In someexamples, the pneumatic chamber 228 is filled with a mass of a pneumaticfluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) having a higher pressure than ambientpressure. Therefore, in this example, the pneumatic chamber 228 forms apressurized chamber (sometimes referred to as a highly pressurized zoneor positive spring chamber). When the front fork 108 compresses and theends of the second upper and lower tubes 206, 210 move toward eachother, such as when riding over a bump, the piston 328 moves toward thetop end 310 of the second upper tube 206. As a result, the volume of thepneumatic chamber 322 decreases and, thus, the pressure of the fluidwithin the pneumatic chamber 322 increases. After the compression, theincreased pressure acts to push the ends of the second upper and lowertubes 206, 210 away from each other, thereby acting as a spring toreturn the front fork 108 to its original or riding set up. The firstupper and lower tubes 204, 208 similarly follow this motion. In someexamples, a negative spring chamber may be formed below the piston 328,between the piston 328 and the seal 326.

In other examples, the spring 318 can be implemented by a physicalspring, such as a coil spring. For example, a coil spring can bedisposed in the second upper tube 206 between the shaft 324 and the topend 310 of the second upper tube 206. When the front fork 108 iscompressed, the shaft 324 is moved upward and compresses the coilspring. After the compression, the coil spring acts to expand the frontfork 108 back to its original or riding set up. In other examples, thespring 318 can be implemented by other types of air spring and/orphysical spring configurations.

In the illustrated example, the damper 320 includes a damper body 332defining a chamber 334. The damper body 332 is disposed in and coupledto the first upper tube 204. The chamber 334 is filled with fluid. Thefluid may be, for example, oil, such as a mineral oil based dampingfluid. In other examples, other types of damping fluids may be used(e.g., silicon or glycol type fluids). The damper 320 includes a shaft336 (which may be referred to as a damper shaft) that is coupled to andextends upward from the bottom end 306 of the first lower tube 208. Theshaft 336 extends through a seal 338 in the bottom of the damper body332. The damper 320 includes a damper member 340 (sometimes referred toas a piston or mid-valve) that is coupled (e.g., threadably coupled) toan end of the shaft 336 and disposed in the chamber 334. The dampermember 340 is slidable in the damper body 332. The damper member 340divides the chamber 334 into a first chamber 342 and a second chamber344. In some examples, a seal 343 (e.g., an o-ring) is disposed aroundthe damper member 340 to prevent fluid leakage between the outside ofthe damper member 340 and the inner surface of the damper body 332. Whenthe front fork 108 compresses and the ends of the first upper and lowertubes 204, 208 move toward each other, such as when riding over a bump,the damper member 340 moves upward in the chamber 334 toward the top end300 of the first upper tube 204. During rebound, the damper member 340moves downward in the chamber 334 away from the top end 300 of the firstupper tube 204.

The damper member 340 includes one or more channels or fluid flow pathsthat enable fluid flow across the damper member 340 between the firstand second chambers 342, 344. When the front fork 108 is compressed, forexample, the fluid is pushed across the damper member 340 and flows fromthe first chamber 342 to the second chamber 344. Conversely, when thefront fork 108 rebounds or expands (e.g., via return force from thespring 318), the fluid is pushed across the damper member 340 and flowsfrom the second chamber 344 to the first chamber 342. The damper member340 limits the rate of fluid flow between the first and second chambers342, 344, which dampens movement of the front fork 108 and therebyaffects the speed at which the front fork 108 compresses and/orrebounds.

In some examples, the rebound and compression rates of the damper 320can be independently controlled. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, thedamper 320 includes an accumulation chamber 345. In some examples, whenthe front fork 108 is compressed, such as during a high compressionevent, the damper member 340 moves upward in the chamber 334 and forcesthe fluid in the first chamber 342 through a top of the damper body 332and into the accumulation chamber 345. The damper 320 includes aninternal floating piston (IFP) 346 in the first upper tube 204 that canslide upward or downward to change the volume of the accumulationchamber 345. In some examples, the damper 320 includes a spring 347(e.g., an air spring) that biases the IFP 346 downward. In someexamples, the resistance of the spring 347 can be adjusted via acompression adjust rod 348. A compression adjustment knob 350 is coupledto the compression adjust rod 348. A user (e.g., a rider) can interactwith (e.g., twist, push, etc.) the compression adjustment knob 350 tochange the resistance of the IFP 346 and, thus, affect compressiondamping rate.

In some examples, the damper member 340 can independently control therebound damping rate. For example, the damper member 340 may include oneor more fluid flow paths that enable fluid flow from the second chamber344 to the first chamber 342 when compression occurs. The one or morefluid flow paths can be covered by one or more shims to providerelatively low damping during compression. The damper member 340 mayalso include an adjustable orifice 352 that controls the flow of fluidin the reverse direction, from the first chamber 342 to the secondchamber 344. This adjustable orifice 352 can be opened or closed toaffect the rebound damping rate. For example, the damper 320 includes afirst rebound adjust rod 354 and a second rebound adjust rod 356. Thefirst rebound adjust rod 354 is movably disposed in the shaft 336. Aplug 358 on the first rebound adjust rod 354 is disposed in the dampermember 340 and controls the size of the adjustable orifice 352. Inparticular, the first rebound adjust rod 354 can be moved axially (e.g.,up or down) in the shaft 336 to change the size of the adjustableorifice 352. In this example, the first rebound adjust rod 354 isthreadably engaged with the shaft 336. If the first rebound adjust rod354 is rotated, the first rebound adjust rod 354 moves axially in theshaft 336, thereby controlling the size of the adjustable orifice 352 inthe damper member 340. The second rebound adjust rod 356 is alsodisposed in the shaft 336. The second rebound adjust rod 356 is coupledto a bottom end 360 of the first rebound adjust rod 354. In someexamples, the second rebound adjust rod 356 is inserted into a keyedslot in the bottom end 360 of the first rebound adjust rod 354. Thisenables the second rebound adjust rod 356 to rotate the first reboundadjust rod 354, but also allows the first rebound adjust rod 354 to moveaxially toward or away from the second rebound adjust rod 356. Thesecond rebound adjust rod 356 extends through the bottom end 306 of thefirst lower tube 208. In the illustrated example, a rebound adjustmentknob 362 is coupled to a bottom end 364 of the second rebound adjust rod356. A user (e.g., a rider) can rotate (e.g., twist) the reboundadjustment knob 362 to rotate the second rebound adjust rod 356. Whenthe second rebound adjust rod 356 is rotated, the second rebound adjustrod 356 rotates the first rebound adjust rod 354, which causes the firstrebound adjust rod 354 to move axially up or down in the shaft 336relative to the damper member 340, which opens or closes the adjustableorifice 352 and, thus, changes the rebound damping rate.

As disclosed above, the spring 318 and the damper 320 include multipleseals (e.g., the seals 326, 331, 338, 343, etc.). These seals have astatic friction that must be overcome to compress or expand the frontfork 108. While relatively small, this static friction may cause a delayin the compression or rebound movement. For example, if a compressiveforce is applied to the front fork 108, the upper and lower tubes 204,206, 208, 210 may remain in the same relationship (i.e., no movement)until the force builds enough to overcome the static friction. Once thestatic friction is overcome, the components of the spring 318 and thedamper 320 move (e.g., slide), which enables the upper and lower tubes204, 206, 208, 210 to move relative to each other. This delay may causean undesirable stick slip feeling that can be felt by the rider.Additionally, high frequency vibrations (e.g., above 5 Hz) having a lowamplitude may be not absorbed by the spring 318 and the damper 320.Instead, these high frequency vibrations are transmitted through thefront fork 108 to the handlebars 114 (FIG. 1) and are felt by the rider.

To address the above-noted drawbacks, the front fork 108 includes afirst example isolator 370. In this example, the first isolator 370 isassociated with the damper 320 in the first leg 203. The first isolator370 couples the shaft 336 to the bottom end 306 of second lower tube208. In the illustrated example, the first isolator 370 is disposed inthe second lower tube 208, between the shaft 336 and the bottom end 306of the second lower tube 208. In some examples, it is advantageous tohave the first isolator 370 in the first lower tube 208 because thefirst lower tube 208 protects the first isolator 370 from dirt, debris,and other materials in the surrounding environment. The first isolator370 enables relative movement between the first lower tube 208 (which isattached to the front wheel 104 and considered the unspring side of thesuspension component) and the shaft 336, which is coupled to the dampermember 340. Thus, the first isolator 370 acts as a spring in series withthe damper 320. The first isolator 370 is aligned on the firsttranslation axis 319 and controls the movement of the first upper andlower legs 204, 208 along the first translation axis 319. In thisexample, the first isolator 370 is coupled to the bottom end 306 of thefirst lower tube 208 via a first threaded fastener 372 (e.g., a bolt).The first threaded fastener 372 is disposed outside of the first lowertube 208. The first isolator 370 and the first threaded fastener 372include central openings (shown in further detail herein) through whichthe second rebound adjust rod 356 extends. In other examples, if anadjustable damper member is not included, the first isolator 370 and thefirst threaded fastener 372 may not include such openings.

As disclosed in further detail herein, the first isolator 370 includesone or more cushioning members, such as elastomeric members (e.g.,rubber pads). The elastomeric member(s) of the first isolator 370enable(s) relative movement between the first lower tube 208 and theshaft 336 and, thus, between the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208.As such, the first isolator 370 enables the second lower tube 208 (theunspring mass) to move upward relative to the first upper tube 204before the breakaway force for the spring 318 and the damper 320 isreached, thereby enabling the front fork 108 absorb the vibrations morequickly during compression. The first isolator 370 also absorbs highfrequency, low amplitude vibrations that would otherwise be transmittedthrough the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 to the handlebars 114(FIG. 1). Therefore, the first isolator 370 is frequency sensitive. Inparticular, long and slow inputs are partially absorbed by the firstisolator 370 and transmitted to the damper 320, whereas fast and shortinputs are absorbed just in the first isolator 370. As a result, thefirst isolator 370 reduces vibrations felt at the handlebars 114.

In this example, the front fork 108 includes a second isolator 380associated with the spring 318 in the second leg 205. The secondisolator 380 couples the shaft 324 to the bottom end 316 of the secondlower tube 210. In particular, the second isolator 380 is disposed inthe second lower tube 210, between the shaft 324 and the bottom end 316of the second lower tube 210. The second isolator 380 acts as a springin series with the spring 318. The second isolator 380 is aligned on thesecond translation axis 321 and controls the movement of the secondupper and lower legs 206, 210 along the second translation axis 321. Inthis example, the second isolator 380 is coupled to the bottom end 316of the second lower tube 210 via a second threaded fastener 382 (e.g., abolt). The second isolator 380 is substantially the same as the firstisolator 370, but the second isolator 380 and/or the second threadedfastener 382 may not include central openings for an adjustment rod. Thesecond isolator 380 similarly allows relative movement between thesecond lower tube 210 and the shaft 324 and, thus, between the secondupper and lower tubes 206, 210.

In the illustrated example, the front fork 108 includes two isolators,one for the damper 320 and one for the spring 318. However, in otherexamples, the front fork 108 may only include one isolator. For example,only the first isolator 370 or only the second isolator 380 may beimplemented.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the front fork 108. FIG. 4 showsthe first isolator 370 separated from the shaft 336 of the damper 320,and the second isolator 380 separated from the shaft 324 of the spring318. FIG. 4 also shows the first and second threaded fasteners 372, 382,the second rebound adjust rod 356, and the rebound adjustment knob 362.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first isolator 370. In the illustratedexample, the first isolator 370 includes a cap 500, a bushing 502, afirst cushioning member 504, a seal 506, a translating coupler 508, asecond cushioning member 510, a cup 512, and a pin 514. In this example,the first and second cushioning members 504, 510 are implemented aselastomeric members, referred to herein as a first elastomeric member504 and a second elastomeric member 510. In the illustrated example, thecup 512 has a side wall 516 and a bottom 518. When the first isolator370 is assembled, the cap 500 is coupled to the cup 512 and forms ahousing 520 defining a cavity 522. In this example, the cap 500 isscrewed onto a threaded section 524 on the side wall 516 of the cup 512.In other examples, the cap 500 can be coupled to the cup 512 via othermechanical and/or chemical fastening techniques. The housing 520 is tobe coupled to the bottom end 306 (FIG. 3) of the first lower tube 208(FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the cup 512 has an extension 526and a boss 527 extending from the bottom 518. The extension 526 and theboss 527 include an opening to receive the first threaded fastener 372(FIG. 3), as shown in further detail in connection with FIG. 7. In thisexample, the translating coupler 508 is implemented as a bolt, referredto herein as a translating bolt 508 that has a threaded section(disclosed in further detail herein). However, in other examples, thetranslating coupler 508 may not have a threaded section.

When the first isolator 370 is assembled, the first and secondelastomeric members 504, 510 and a portion of the translating bolt 508are disposed in the cavity 522 of the housing 520. The cap 500 of thehousing 520 has an opening 528 through which the translating bolt 508extends when the first isolator 370 is assembled. The bushing 502 is tobe disposed in the opening 528 of the cap 500 to enable the translatingbolt 508 to slide relative to the cap 500, which reduces wear on the cap500 and the translating bolt 508.

In the illustrated example, the side wall 516 of the cup 512 has aplurality of radial openings 530 (one of which is referenced in FIG. 5).The cup 512 may include any number of openings 530. In some examples,the openings 530 are spaced equidistant around the side wall 516. Insome examples, the openings 530 enable fluid or gas in the cavity 522 tobe equalized as the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510compress or expand. For example, in some instances, the bottom of thefirst lower tube 208 contains lubrication oil. The openings 530 canequalize the pressure inside and outside of the housing 520 as the firstand second elastomeric members 504, 510 compress or expand. This alsoimproves heat dissipation. Further, the openings 530 reduce the weightof the housing 520 and, thus, reduce the total weight of the firstisolator 370. In other examples, the housing 520 may not include theopenings 530.

In the illustrated example, the translating bolt 508 has a plate 532(e.g., a flange, a disk) and a post 534 with a threaded section 536. Thetranslating bolt 508 includes an opening 538 through the plate 532 andthe post 534 to receive the second rebound adjust rod 356 (FIG. 3). Whenthe first isolator 370 is assembled, the plate 532 is disposed (e.g.,clamped) between the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 inthe cavity 522 of the housing 520, and the post 534 with the threadedsection 536 extends outward through the opening 528 in the cap 500. Theshaft 336 (FIG. 3) of the damper 320 (FIG. 3) is to be threadablycoupled to the threaded section 536 of the translating bolt 508. In theillustrated example, the plate 532 has an opening 540 to receive the pin514, as shown in further detail in connection with FIG. 7. In someexamples, the translating bolt 508 is constructed as a single unitarypart or component. In other examples the plate 532 and the post 534 canbe constructed as separate components that are coupled together.

In the illustrated example, the first and second elastomeric member 504,510 are ring-shaped. In this example, the first and second elastomericmembers 504, 510 are identical, but oriented in opposite directions.Therefore, any of the details disclosed in connection with the firstelastomeric member 504 can likewise apply to the second elastomericmember 510. In the illustrated example, the first elastomeric member 504has a first side 542, a second side 544, and a central opening 546extending between the first and second sides 542, 544. The firstelastomeric member 504 also has an opening 548 to receive the pin 514,as disclosed in further detail herein. In the illustrated example, thefirst elastomeric member 504 has a first rib 550 extending or protrudingfrom the second side 544.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 6A-6C, FIG. 6A is a perspective view of thefirst elastomeric member 504, FIG. 6B is a top view of the first side542 of the first elastomeric member 504, and FIG. 6C is across-sectional view of the first elastomeric member 504 taken alongline B-B of FIG. 6B (and turned up-side down). FIGS. 6A-6C show theopenings 546, 548 extending through first elastomeric member 504. FIGS.6A and 6C show the first rib 550 that protrudes from the second side544. In some examples, the first rib 550 helps to maintain contactbetween the first elastomeric member 504 and the translating bolt 508,as disclosed in further detail herein. In other examples, the first rib550 may not be included. Referring back to FIG. 5, the secondelastomeric member 510 similarly has a first side 552, a second side554, a central opening 556 and an opening 558 extending between thefirst and second sides 552, 554, and a rib 560 extending from the secondside 554. When the first isolator 370 is assembled, the plate 532 of thetranslating bolt 508 is clamped between the second sides 544, 554 of thefirst and second elastomeric members 504, 510. Thus, the firstelastomeric member 504 has the first rib 550 extending from the secondside 544 of the first elastomeric member 504 facing the plate 532, andthe second elastomeric member 510 has the second rib 560 extending fromthe second side 554 of the second elastomeric member 510 facing theplate 532.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the callout 390 of FIG. 3 showing thefirst isolator 370 in the first lower tube 208. As disclosed above, thefirst isolator 370 couples the shaft 336 to the bottom end 306 of thefirst lower tube 208. In particular, the housing 520 of the firstisolator 370 is rigidly coupled to the bottom end 306, and thetranslating bolt 508 is rigidly coupled to the shaft 336.

In the illustrated example, the first lower tube 208 has an opening 700extending between a first side 702 (an internal side) and a second side704 (an external side) of the bottom end 306. As shown in FIG. 7, thefront wheel attachment portion 212 extends from the second side 704 ofthe bottom end 306. The front wheel attachment portion 212 is to becoupled to a hub on the front wheel 104 (FIG. 1) of the bicycle 100(FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 7, the cap 500 is threaded onto the cup 512,which forms the housing 520. The extension 526 of the housing 520 isengaged with the first side 702 of the bottom end 306, and the boss 527extends into the opening 700 in the bottom end 306. In other examples,the extension 526 may be removed, and the bottom 518 of the housing 520may be engaged with the first side 702 of the bottom end 306. In someexamples, the boss 527 is press fit into the opening 700 of the firstlower tube 208, such that the housing 520 is fixedly coupled to thebottom end 306 of the first lower tube 208. In some examples, the boss527 and the opening 700 in the first lower tube 208 form a lockingtaper. In the illustrated example, the housing 520 has an opening 706through the extension 526 and the boss 527 and into the cavity 522. Thefirst threaded fastener 372 is disposed outside of (external to) thefirst lower tube 208. The first threaded fastener 372 is inserted intothe opening 700 through the second side 704 of the bottom end 306. Thefirst threaded fastener 372 is screwed into a threaded section 707 inthe opening 706 of the boss 527. The first threaded fastener 372 can betorqued to rigidly secure the housing 520 to the bottom end 306 of thefirst lower tube 208. In some examples, a washer 708 is disposed betweenthe first threaded fastener 372 and the second side 704 of the bottomend 306.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510are disposed in the cavity 522 and clamped (e.g., axially constrained)between the cap 500 and the bottom 518 of the cup 512. The plate 532 isdisposed between the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510. Thepost 534 of the translating bolt 508 extends upward through the centralopening 546 in the first elastomeric member 504 and through the opening528 in the cap 500 of the housing 520, and the post 534 is coupled to anend of the shaft 336. The translating bolt 508 is movable up and downrelative to the housing 520 and the cap 500 along the first translationaxis 319. The bushing 502 is disposed in the opening 528 in the cap 500.The translating bolt 508 is slidable on the bushing 502. The bushing 502forms a low friction surface for the translating bolt 508 to sliderelative to the housing 520. This reduces wear on the translating bolt508 and the housing 520. The bushing 502 can be constructed of anymaterial. In some examples, the bushing 502 is constructed of Teflon®.In other examples, the bushing 502 can be constructed of anothermaterial, such as Delrin®.

As shown in FIG. 7, the translating bolt is coupled to the shaft 336 ofthe damper 320 (FIG. 3). In particular, the threaded section 536 of thepost 534 is threadably coupled to the shaft 336. As such, thetranslating bolt 508 and the shaft 336 are rigidly coupled. The firstand second elastomeric members 504, 510 are engaged with opposite sidesof the plate 532. Therefore, the first elastomeric member biases theplate 532 (and, thus, the translating bolt 508 and the shaft 336)downward, and the second elastomeric member 510 biases the plate 532 inthe opposite direction. In some examples, the first and secondelastomeric members 504, 510 are preloaded (i.e., in a slightlycompressed state).

The first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 can be constructed ofany elastomeric material. In some examples, the first and secondelastomeric member 504, 510 are constructed of nitrile rubber (e.g., 40Shore A nitrile rubber). In other examples, the first and secondelastomeric members 504, 510 can be constructed of other types of rubber(e.g., butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber,etc.), silicone, polyurethane, or a viscoelastic material. In someexamples, the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 have thesame hardness. For example, the first and second elastomeric members504, 510 may have a durometer of about 40 Shore A (e.g., ±5). In otherexamples, the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 can have ahigher or lower durometer. In other examples, the first and secondelastomeric members 504, 510 can have a different hardness. For example,the first elastomeric member 504 may have a hardness of a firstdurometer, and the second elastomeric member 510 may have a hardness ofa second durometer that is higher than the first durometer.

The first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 compress and expand inresponse to compression and rebound forces. For example, when acompressive force is first applied to the front fork 108 (e.g., whenriding over a bump), the housing 520 is forced upward and/or thetranslating bolt 508 is forced downward. Before the breakaway force isreached, the second elastomeric member 510 is compressed between thebottom 518 of the housing 520 and the plate 532 of the translating bolt508, which enables the first lower tube 208 to move upward relative tothe shaft 336 and, thus, upward relative to the first upper tube 204(FIG. 2). Further, because the plate 532 is moved away from the firstelastomeric member 504, the first elastomeric member 504 expands. Afterthe compressive force is removed, the second elastomeric member 510biases the bottom 518 of the housing 520 and the plate 532 away fromeach other, which moves the first lower tube 208 downward relative tothe shaft 336 and, thus, downward relative to the first upper tube 204.Similarly, when a rebound (expanding) force is applied to the front fork108 (e.g., from the spring 318 (FIG. 3), the first and secondelastomeric members 504, 510 enable relative movement of the first upperand lower tubes 204, 208 in the opposite direction. Therefore, the firstand second elastomeric members 504, 510 control and define the movementalong the first translation axis 319. In some examples, the translatingbolt 508 and the housing 520 are movable about 4 mm relative to eachother (and, thus, allows about 4 mm of travel between the first upperand lower tubes 204, 208). In other examples, depending on the magnitudeof the force, the hardness of the first and second elastomeric members504, 510, and/or the breakaway force of the spring 318 and the damper320, the relative movement may be larger or smaller. In this manner, thefirst isolator 370 enables relative movement between the first upper andlower tubes 204, 208 before the breakaway forces of the spring 318 andthe damper 320 (FIG. 3) are reached. In particular, because the firstand second elastomeric members 504, 510 are disposed on opposite sidesof the plate 532, the net force to initiate movement in either directionis zero. Therefore, unlike known front forks, the example front fork 108does not require a certain force to overcome some friction or breakawayforce to initiate movement. Instead, any net compressive or expansiveforce can result in relative movement of the first upper and lower tubes204, 208. This results in less vibrations or shocks transmitted throughthe front fork 108 to the handlebars 114 (FIG. 1).

The first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 also absorb highfrequency, low amplitude vibrations that may otherwise not be absorbedby the front fork 108. For example, if riding over a washboard terrain,the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 enable the first lowertube 208 to flutter relative to the first upper tube 204. As such, thesehigh frequency, lower amplitude vibrations are not transmitted to thehandlebars 114 (FIG. 1). Further, by having the first and secondelastomer member 504, 510 on opposite sides of the plate 532, ratherthan just one on one side, this arrangement reduces any gap behind theplate 532 that could cause an impact upon release of force. Therefore,in some examples, having an elastomeric member on both sides of theplate 532 results in a more stable and smooth movement. Also, asdisclosed above, the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 havethe respective first and second ribs 550, 560 (FIG. 5). The first andsecond ribs 550, 560 help maintain contact between the respective firstand second elastomeric members 504, 510 and the plate 532. For example,during a compressive force, the plate 532 is moved downward and awayfrom the first elastomeric member 504. In such an instance, the firstelastomeric member 504 expands. While the plate 532 may separate fromthe second side 544 (FIG. 5) of the first elastomeric member 504, thefirst rib 550 maintains contact with the plate 532. Therefore, when thecompressive force is removed and the plate 532 moves back upward, thereis no gap between the plate 532 and the first elastomeric member 504. Asthe plate 532 moves upward, the plate 532 may compress the first rib 550into the second side 544 of the first elastomeric member 504. Thisensures a smooth, stabilized movement between the translating bolt 508and the housing 520 and, thus, between the first upper and lower tubes204, 208. However, in other examples, only one elastomeric member may beimplemented. For example, in some instances, only the first elastomericmember 504 may be included. Further, while in this example thecushioning members are implemented as the first and second elastomericmembers 504, 510, in other examples, the cushioning member can beimplemented as springs (e.g., metallic coil springs, leaf springs, etc.)or other types of cushioning members that produce biased movementbetween two components.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second rebound adjust rod 356 extends throughthe first threaded fastener 372 and the first isolator 370. Inparticular, the second rebound adjust rod 356 extends through thehousing 520, the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510, and theopening 538 in the translating bolt 308. The second rebound adjust rod356 is rotatable to adjust a fluid flow rate across the damper member340 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 7, the rebound adjust rod 356 extendsthrough an opening 710 in the bottom 518 of the housing 520. The seal506 is disposed in a seal gland 712 (e.g., a groove or recess) formed inthe housing 520. The seal 506 prevents leakage of fluid (e.g., lube oil)and helps maintain casting ramp pressure inside of the first lower tube208. As disclosed above, the rebound adjustment knob 362 is coupled tothe second rebound adjust rod 356. The rebound adjustment knob 362 isdisposed over the first threaded fastener 372 and is rotatableindependent of the first threaded fastener 372. A user can rotate therebound adjustment knob 362 to rotate the second rebound adjust rod 356,thereby rotating the first rebound adjust rod 354 (FIG. 3) to change therebound damping rate. In some examples, the second rebound adjust rod356 is fixedly coupled to the rebound adjustment knob 362. Therefore,the second rebound adjust rod 356 can rotate relative to the first lowertube 208, but does not move axially up or down relative to the firstlower tube 208.

In some instances, the friction between the second rebound adjust rod356 and the translating bolt 508 could cause the translating bolt 508and the shaft 336 to rotate, which is undesired. For example, undernormal operation, the second rebound adjust rod 356 is rotated until theplug 358 (FIG. 3) is fully closed and hits a hard stop. This hard stopis felt by the user as an indication that the valve is fully closed, andcan be used to measure the rotation (e.g., detent clicks) away from thefully closed position. However, the friction may cause the translatingbolt 308 and the shaft 336 to spin, such that the user may not be ableto tell the plug 358 is fully closed. To prevent this rotation, thefirst isolator 370 includes an anti-rotation device. In this example,the anti-rotation device is implemented as the pin 514. The pin 514 iscoupled to the housing 520. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the pin514 is screwed into the bottom 518 of the housing 520. The pin 514extends through the opening 558 in the second elastomeric member 510,the opening 540 in the plate 532 of the translating bolt 508, and intothe opening 548 in the first elastomeric member 504. The pin 514prevents the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 and thetranslating bolt 508 from rotating relative to the housing 520.Additionally or alternatively, other structures can be used to preventrotation. For example, one or more interlocking structures, such asteeth, can be formed on the cap 500, the first and second elastomericmembers 504, 510, the plate 532, and/or the bottom 518 of the housing520. Such teeth can mesh to prevent rotation of the translating bolt 508relative to the housing 520. In another example, the outer radial edgeof the plate 532 can be splined with the inner surface of the side wall516 of the housing 520.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the callout 395 of FIG. 3 showing thesecond isolator 380 in the second lower tube 210. As disclosed above,the second isolator 380 couples the shaft 324 to the bottom end 316 ofthe second lower tube 210. The second isolator 380 includes a secondhousing 800, third and fourth elastomeric members 802, 804, and a secondtranslating bolt 806. The second housing 800 is rigidly coupled to thebottom end 316 via the second threaded fastener 382. The secondtranslating bolt 806 is rigidly coupled to the shaft 324. The secondtranslating bolt 806 has a second plate 808 that is disposed between thethird and fourth elastomeric members 802, 804. The second isolator 380is substantially the same as the first isolator 370 and acts to absorbvibrations and enable movement between the second upper and lower tubes206, 210. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, a description of the samestructures and functions of the second isolator 380 is not repeated.Instead, it is understood that any of the structure or functionsdisclosed in connection with the first isolator 370 and the first upperand lower tubes 204, 208 can likewise apply to the second isolator 380and the second upper and lower tubes 206, 210. In this example, thespring 318 does not include an adjust rod, so the second threadedfastener 382 does not include an opening like the first threadedfastener 372 shown in FIG. 7.

In some examples, the third and fourth elastomeric members 802, 804 havethe same hardness (e.g., 40 Shore A). In other example, the third andfourth elastomeric members 802, 804 have a different hardness. In someexamples, the fourth elastomeric member 804 is harder than the thirdelastomeric member 802. For example, the third elastomeric member 802may have a durometer of 40 Shore A, and the fourth elastomeric member804 may have a durometer of 70 Shore A. In some examples, the fourthelastomeric member 804 is harder than the third elastomeric member 802because the spring 318 (FIG. 3) applies a constant force on the fourthelastomeric member 804. Therefore, the fourth elastomeric member 804 isconstructed of a material having a higher durometer, which is generallymore durable than a lower durometer material.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example isolator 900 thatcan be implemented in the front fork 108. The example isolator 900 isshown and described connection with the first lower tube 208 and thedamper 320 (FIG. 3). The example isolator 900 can also be used inconnection with the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) for the spring 318(FIG. 3). Similar to the first isolator 370 disclosed above, theisolator 900 couples the shaft 336 to the bottom end 306 of the firstlower tube 208 to absorb high frequency vibrations and improve shockabsorption.

In the illustrated example, the isolator 900 includes a firsttranslating bolt 902, a second translating bolt 904, a first elastomericmember 906, and a second elastomeric member 908. The first and secondelastomeric members 906, 906 are substantially the same as the first andsecond elastomeric members 504, 510 disclosed above. Therefore, to avoidredundancy, a description of the shape and materials of the elastomericmembers is not repeated. In the illustrated example, the firsttranslating bolt 902 is disposed in the first lower tube 208. The firsttranslating bolt 902 is threadably coupled to the shaft 336. The firsttranslating bolt 902 extends through the opening 700 in the bottom end306 of the first lower tube 208. The second translating bolt 904 isdisposed outside of the first lower tube 208. The second translatingbolt 904 is threadably coupled to the first translating bolt 902.Therefore, the first and second translating bolts 902, 904 are rigidlycoupled to the shaft 336.

In the illustrated example, the first translating bolt 902 has a firstflange 910. The first elastomeric member 906 is disposed (e.g., clamped)between the first flange 910 and the first side 702 of the bottom end306. The second translating bolt 904 has a second flange 912. The secondelastomeric member 908 is disposed between the second flange 912 and thesecond side 704 of the bottom end 306. The first and second elastomericmembers 906, 908 compress and expand as forces are applied to the frontfork 108. This enables the first lower tube 208 to move relative to theshaft 336 and, thus, relative to the first upper tube 204 (FIG. 2).Similar to the first and second elastomeric members 504, 510 disclosedabove, the first and second elastomeric members 906, 908 can have ribsthat expand to maintain contact with the first and second sides 702, 704of the bottom end 306 as the first and second elastomeric members 906,908 expand and/or are moved away from the respective first and secondsides 702, 704.

In the illustrated example, the second rebound adjust rod 356 extendsthrough the first and second translating bolts 902, 904 and is insertedinto the first rebound adjust rod 354. A rebound adjustment knob 914 iscoupled to the bottom end 364 of second rebound adjust rod 356. Therebound adjustment knob 914 is rotatable about the second translatingbolt 904. A user (e.g., a rider) can rotate (e.g., twist) the reboundadjustment knob 914 to rotate the second rebound adjust rod 356. Whenthe second rebound adjust rod 356 is rotated, the second rebound adjustrod 356 rotates the first rebound adjust rod 354, which causes the firstrebound adjust rod 354 to move axially in the shaft 336, which opens orcloses the adjustable orifice 352 (FIG. 3) and, thus, changes therebound damping rate.

While the example isolators 370, 380, 900 are described in connectionwith a front fork suspension component, the example isolators 370, 380,900 can be similarly implemented in connection with other types ofsuspension components for the front wheel 104 and/or for othercomponents on a vehicle. For example, any of the example isolator 370,380, 900 can be implemented in connection with a single-legged fork,which may include an integrated damper and spring system in the sameleg. As another example, any of the example isolators 370, 380, 900 canbe implemented in the rear shock absorber 136. As another example, anyof the example isolators 370, 380, 900 can be implemented in connectionwith a suspension component used in connection with another component onthe bicycle 100, such as the seat post 112.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example apparatus havebeen disclosed that improve shock absorption in suspension components.The example isolators disclosed herein separate a shaft, such as adamper shaft or a spring shaft, from a tube of the suspension componentand thereby enable relative movement between the tubes of the suspensioncomponent before the breakaway force is reached. The example isolatorsdisclosed herein also absorb high frequency vibrations and, thus, reducevibrations that are felt at the handlebars of the bicycle. This createsa more comfortable ride for the rider and improves rider confidence.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularembodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described inthis specification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be groupedtogether or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims including all equivalents are intended to define thescope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to thedescribed order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, allembodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A suspension component for a bicycle, thesuspension component comprising: a first tube and a second tubeconfigured in a telescopic arrangement and defining an interior space; adamper in the interior space, the damper including; a damper bodydefining a chamber; a damper member in the chamber; and a shaft coupledto the damper member; and an isolator coupling the shaft to a bottom endof the second tube, the isolator including an elastomeric member toabsorb vibrations.
 2. The suspension component of claim 1, wherein thesecond tube includes a wheel attachment portion extending from thebottom end, the wheel attachment portion to be coupled to a hub on awheel of the bicycle.
 3. The suspension component of claim 1, whereinthe elastomeric member is a first elastomeric member, the isolatorfurther including a second elastomeric member.
 4. The suspensioncomponent of claim 3, wherein the isolator includes a housing disposedin the second tube and coupled to the bottom end, the first and secondelastomeric members disposed in the housing.
 5. The suspension componentof claim 4, wherein the isolator includes a translating bolt coupled tothe shaft of the damper, the translating bolt having a plate disposedbetween the first and second elastomeric members.
 6. The suspensioncomponent of claim 5, wherein the translating bolt has a post thatextends through an opening in the housing, the post coupled to an end ofthe shaft of the damper.
 7. The suspension component of claim 6, whereinthe post of the translating bolt has a threaded section that isthreadably coupled to the shaft.
 8. The suspension component of claim 5,wherein the first elastomeric member has a first rib extending from aside of the first elastomeric member facing the plate, and wherein thesecond elastomeric member has a second rib extending from a side of thesecond elastomeric member facing the plate.
 9. The suspension componentof claim 5, wherein the first and second elastomeric members have thesame hardness.
 10. The suspension component of claim 5, wherein thedamper includes a rebound adjust rod extending through the housing, thefirst and second elastomeric members, and the translating bolt, therebound adjust rod rotatable to adjust a fluid flow rate across thedamper member.
 11. The suspension component of claim 10, wherein theisolator includes an anti-rotation device.
 12. The suspension componentof claim 11, wherein the anti-rotation device includes a pin coupled tothe housing, the pin extending through an opening in the plate toprevent the translating bolt from rotating relative to the housing. 13.The suspension component of claim 1, further including a threadedfastener to couple the isolator to the bottom end of the second tube,the threaded fastener disposed outside of the second tube and insertedinto an opening formed in the bottom end of the second tube.
 14. Asuspension component for a bicycle, the suspension component comprising:a first upper tube and a first lower tube configured in a telescopicarrangement; a second upper tube and a second lower tube configured in atelescopic arrangement, the first upper tube coupled to the second uppertube; a damper in an interior space defined by the first upper and lowertubes, the damper having a first shaft coupled to a damper member; aspring in an interior space defined by the second upper and lower tubes,the spring having a second shaft coupled to a piston; a first isolatorin the first lower tube, the first isolator coupling the first shaft toa bottom end of the first lower tube; and a second isolator in thesecond lower tube, the second isolator coupling the second shaft to abottom end of the second lower tube.
 15. The suspension component ofclaim 14, wherein: the first isolator includes a first translating bolt,a first elastomeric member, and a second elastomeric member, the firsttranslating bolt coupled to the first shaft, the first translating bolthaving a first plate disposed between the first and second elastomericmembers, and the second isolator includes a second translating bolt, athird elastomeric member, and a fourth elastomeric member, the secondtranslating bolt coupled to the second shaft, the second translatingbolt having a second plate disposed between the third and fourthelastomeric members.
 16. The suspension component of claim 15, whereinthe third and fourth elastomeric members of the second isolator have adifferent hardness.
 17. The suspension component of claim 14, whereinthe damper includes a rebound adjust rod movably disposed in the firstshaft, the rebound adjust rod extending through the first isolator. 18.A suspension component for a bicycle, the suspension componentcomprising: a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopicarrangement; a damper shaft; and an isolator including: a housingcoupled to an end of the second tube; first and second cushioningmembers disposed in the housing; and a translating coupler coupled to anend of the damper shaft, the translating coupler having a plate disposedin the housing between the first and second cushioning members, thefirst and second cushioning members to enable relative movement betweenthe first and second tubes.
 19. The suspension component of claim 18,wherein the first and second cushioning members are ring-shapedelastomeric members.
 20. The suspension component of claim 18, whereinthe translating coupler has a post that extends through the firstelastomeric member and outward through an opening in the housing.